Steven Gerrard put in a masterful performance against Fulham

Posted on December 24, 2012 by adminsports

Rolling back the years: Gerrard puts on a masterclass in 4-0 rout of Fulham

UPDATED:

22:10 GMT, 23 December 2012

It was a moment that provided a reminder of a glorious past but one which also offered a tantalising glimpse of what the future may hold.

As Steven Gerrard surged on to a perfectly weighted ball from Stewart Downing then smashed a drive inexorably past Mark Schwarzer, he gave a demonstration of the skills which have consistently set him apart and also reinforced the point that, contrary to what some of his detractors may think, he remains one of the most influential midfielders in the Barclays Premier League.

Masterclass: Gerrard (pictured) scored one, set up two and covered a whopping 6.31 miles in Saturday's 4-0 rout of Fulham

Masterclass: Gerrard (pictured) scored one and set up two in Saturday's 4-0 rout of Fulham

This was comfortably Gerrard's finest display of the campaign. Aside from providing two assists in the 4-0 demolition of Fulham, nobody ran further than the 6.31miles he covered and another example of his current well-being can be seen in the fact he has played in every minute of Liverpool's 18 Premier League games.

Gerrard only has 18 months left on his current contract but this was the type of performance that showed why – even at 32 – Liverpool can ill-afford to be without him and it left Brendan Rodgers adamant that a new deal should be drawn up for their talismanic captain.

'He was at the top of his game,' Rodgers observed after a rout which was completed by Martin Skrtel and Luis Suarez.

Goal: Gerrard's goal come from a wonderful reverse pass from the rejuvenated Stewart Downing

'The mixture of his short passing and long passing was perfect, and he got his goal. I have no qualms about him whatsoever.

'He is right up there as one of the most influential midfielders in the Premier League; he's at the top in chances created, passing, possession all the important things.

'I find it incredible he can have had any criticism at all. It is absolutely ridiculous.

Stamina: The 6.31miles he covered was more than any other player on the pitch

Stamina: The whopping 6.31miles Gerrard covered was more than any other player on the pitch

'He may not be getting the goals he did five or six years ago, but that doesn't stop you influencing the game, and his influence for me – and especially once he was starting to understand what I'm looking for – has been absolutely top class, up there with the very best.

'We are improving, we are growing, and he has influenced that. He is vital to us, and I recognise that.

'I know he has 18 months left on his contract, but I would want him to go beyond that for this club and this team.

'I want him to stay beyond his current contract. There is absolutely no question about that.'

Rodgers, clearly, has never had any doubts about Gerrard but the same cannot be said of Downing, who was told last month he was free to leave in January if Liverpool received the right offer but with just eight days until the window opens, the England winger may have earned himself a reprieve.

Downing was outstanding against Fulham. Aside from creating Gerrard's goal, he got one of his own and caused havoc on the flanks with his pace and trickery.

It was particularly intriguing to see him perform like this, given that Daniel Sturridge is potentially ear-marked for Downing's role once his 12million move from Chelsea is officially ratified.

This type of performance showed why Kenny Dalglish was so desperate to spend 20million to bring him from Aston Villa.

Sturridge underwent a medical on Merseyside yesterday after several minor glitches in the deal were ironed out but Downing is in no mood to surrender his spot after describing the moment Rodgers told him he could go as being 'the kick up the ****' he needed.

Silenced: Stewart Downing silenced his critics with his first league goal for Liverpool since his 20m move from Aston Villa last August

Silenced: Stewart Downing silenced his critics with his first league goal and first league assist for Liverpool since his 20m move from Aston Villa last August

'I want to stay,' said Downing. 'I never wanted to leave but I was out of the team, I was frustrated and in that situation you have to look at something if it crops up.

'The only thing I can do is play well and make him keep me here. All I am trying to do is make him pick me for the team and stay in the team.

'If I keep playing like I did against Fulham, that will happen.'

Rafael Benitez: Chelsea faults obvious already (so we"ll expect win over Manchester City then, Rafa!)

Posted on November 23, 2012 by adminsports

Benitez: I've already spotted what's wrong with Chelsea (so we'll expect nothing less than a big win against City then, Rafa!)

UPDATED:

16:21 GMT, 23 November 2012

Rafael Benitez claimed it took him just one training session to see where Chelsea could improve after vowing to make an instant impact at Stamford Bridge.

Benitez was given just three days to pick the European champions up from Tuesday’s fateful defeat at Juventus ahead of Sunday’s top-of-the-table Barclays Premier League clash with Manchester City.

But the former Liverpool boss, controversially appointed interim Blues manager on Wednesday night, declared he had already spotted flaws that might explain Chelsea’s recent slump during his first training session at their Cobham headquarters yesterday.

Centre of attention: Rafael Benitez holds court during Chelsea training at Cobham on Friday

And the 52-year-old had no qualms discussing them with his new players, whose confidence has been dented by a run of only two wins in eight matches that saw them slip from first to third in the league and to the brink of crashing out of the Champions League.

Rafa's pop at Pep

Rafa Benitez appeared to take a pop at those saying Pep Guardiola is in line to replace him at Stamford Bridge at the end of the season by suggesting his managerial record compares with that of the former Barcelona boss.

Benitez referenced his own two La Liga titles with Valencia in 2002 and 2004 and compared them with Guardiola's inability to stop Real Madrid winning the Spanish league title last season.

'All the trophies are important – some
are more important than others,' Benitez said, defending his failure to
win a championship in England.

'I won the league twice, in Spain. In Spain, Guardiola cannot win the Premier League. You cannot win everything in every country.'

Benitez said: 'We didn’t talk about
the Champions League or the next game but about little things I saw and
we could improve a bit, and things they were doing well, which Roberto
Di Matteo was doing.'

All the talk at Benitez’s unveiling yesterday was about his relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich – who he met for the first time over dinner last night – and the club’s fans.

But the Spaniard must also win over a squad who appeared fully behind Di Matteo, the man who somehow managed to inspire them to Champions League and FA Cup glory in the wake of the Andre Villas-Boas regime before being unceremoniously sacked on Wednesday morning.

Benitez said: 'I’m sure they will be pleased like they were with Di Matteo who, by the way, was doing a great job.'

Chelsea started the season like champions-elect but injuries, suspensions, a lack of tactical flexibility and off-field scandals have cast doubt on the overall strength of the squad.

Benitez said: 'It’s a good squad, a good team. If I’m here, it’s because I think we can win with them.

Talking tactics: Benitez with his new No 2 Boudewijn Zenden (centre) and coach Steve Holland

Time to get scoring again, Fernando: Torres has a heart-to-heart with his new Chelsea boss

'If we can improve by training hard, we will.'

Benitez revealed he would look to Chelsea’s big-name players to help him get their season back on track.

'In a top side, normally, there will be some important players, some who have more influence,' he said. 'I spoke with Petr Cech, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Fernando.'

With a contract only until the end of the season – fuelling speculation he is only keeping the manager’s seat warm for Pep Guardiola – Benitez is unlikely to have much influence on transfers in January.

Pointing the way forward: The Spaniard dishes out instructions - but John Mikel Obi seems distracted

Pointing the way forward: The Spaniard dishes out instructions – but John Mikel Obi seems distracted

Er, will that impress the new boss, Eden Chelsea playmaker Hazard (left) manhandles Benitez in training

The Spaniard appeared to accept he would not enjoy the same control as he did during his six years at Liverpool.

'Here, you have a technical director and the manager is a head coach who has to improve the players he has,' he said. 'I will talk to the people involved if it’s necessary to improve the (squad).'

Chelsea appear in particular need of a
striker, even if Benitez succeeds where three other Chelsea managers
have failed by helping 50million flop Fernando Torres rediscover the
form he showed under his fellow Spaniard at Liverpool.

Torres almost helped fire the Reds to the Premier League title in 2009, a trophy that ultimately eluded Benitez.

Managers who fail to win the league do not last long at Chelsea, who are four points behind City going into Sunday’s game.

Also especially important is the Champions League, a competition which Benitez may only manage in for one match, and the Club World Cup.

The timing of Di Matteo’s sacking suggested Chelsea were desperate to win a competition they waited so long just to qualify for.

Benitez, who lost the final in 2005 with Liverpool before winning with Inter Milan in 2010, said: 'I know how hard it is, and how seriously the South American teams take it, but it would be a great challenge.'

James Anderson: India open with spin and we could do the same with Graeme Swann

Posted on November 18, 2012 by adminsports

India open with spin and we could do the same with Swanny

PUBLISHED:

22:51 GMT, 17 November 2012

UPDATED:

22:51 GMT, 17 November 2012

India had no qualms about opening the
bowling with spin – and while I'm not saying we should automatically
follow their lead, when you play cricket here you have to be open to all
suggestions.

PICTURE DISPUTE

We are unable to carry live pictures
from the First Test in Ahmedabad due to a dispute between the Board of
Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and international news
organisations.

The BCCI has
refused access to Test venues to established picture agencies Getty
Images and Action Images and other Indian photographic agencies.

MailOnline consider this action to be a strike against press freedom and supports the action to boycott BCCI imagery.

So, if the conditions warrant it and
the captain and management feel it to be right, I don't see any reason
why Graeme Swann shouldn't take the new ball.

Some spinners feel the lacquer on a new cherry makes it hard to grip, and I don't think Swanny is a massive fan.

But as our batsmen have been practising
in the nets against spinners using the new ball, so Graeme has been
sending down overs with the new ball against them to make sure he is
ready should the question be asked.

To be fair, he bowled quite early on
in India's first innings, and when we took the new ball he had a go as
early as the fifth over with it, so the ball would not have altered that
much in that short space of time.

I'm sure he'd have a go happily if it was what the team needed.

He has been fantastic in this match, possibly bowling as well as I've ever seen.

Scroll down for more

Swann's way: but could he open the bowling

Rob Howley "disappointed" after Wales defeat to Argentina

Posted on November 10, 2012 by adminsports

Howley smoke! Wales head coach left 'disappointed, frustrated and annoyed'

UPDATED:

18:33 GMT, 10 November 2012

Wales interim head coach Rob Howley admitted his side had been made to look lethargic by a battle-hardened Argentina after the Pumas claimed a stunning 26-12 win at the Millennium Stadium.

The Six Nations champions had led 9-6 at the break thanks to three Leigh Halfpenny penalties, with Felipe Contepomi slotting a penalty and Nicolas Sanchez landing a drop goal for the Pumas.

Turning the screw: Juan Imhoff scores a try for Argentina

Match facts

WALES:

Penalties: Halfpenny (7, 14, 27, 48)

ARGENTINA:

Tries: Imhoff (54), Camacho (59)

Conversions: Sanchez (54, 59)

Penalties: Contepomi (4)

Drop goals: Sanchez (9. 52)

Halfpenny extended Wales' lead with a
fourth penalty early in the second half, but a penalty and drop goal
from Sanchez, plus converted tries for wings Juan Imhoff and Gonzalo
Camacho saw the visitors secure their second win over Wales in Cardiff,
11 years to the day after their first.

The defeat puts a major dent in
Wales' hopes of securing a top-four place in the world rankings ahead of
next month's 2015 World Cup draw, but they can have no qualms after
being exposed by Argentina.

And there looks set to be further bad
news for Howley with Jamie Roberts and Alun Wyn Jones picking up
injuries that put their involvement in the rest of the autumn series in
doubt.

Feeding frenzy: Argentina's Martin Landajo releases the ball

The Pumas, for their part, look to
have quickly learnt the lessons of facing the All Blacks, Australia and
South Africa during their maiden Rugby Championship campaign, and a
frustrated Howley acknowledged the visitors appear to have moved their
game to a new level.

He said: 'I am disappointed, frustrated and annoyed because we know we are a better side than that.

'We talked about it being an arm wrestle for 50 minutes and we were 12-6 ahead but we looked one-paced.

Getting his kicks: Wales' Leigh Halfpenny (left) scores a penalty

'When you play Argentina, tempo, pace
and intensity are important but there is no doubt their experience and
exposure to the Rugby Championship has taken that Argentina side to
another level.

'They played the All Blacks, South
Africa and Australia over a six-week period and they have certainly
learned from that and we were exposed to it today and we very much came
second.'

Wales' chances were not helped when a
clearly concussed Roberts was helped off after a clash of heads with
Gonzalo Tiesi, while lock Jones was withdrawn with a shoulder problem
just before the break.

Going south: George North is tackled by Argentina's Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe (left)

Howley said: 'Jamie has a bump on the
head, it's a mild concussion to say the least. Alun Wyn has done his AC
(joint) so we will have to wait on the medical opinion for that but it
does not look good at this time and it will test our strength in depth
and these next three games are very important.'

Assistant coach Shaun Edwards pulled
no punches in his assessment of the performance, and felt Wales had
badly missed the injured trio of centre Jonathan Davies, prop Adam Jones
and flanker Dan Lydiate, as well as Roberts after he went off.

Double trouble: Manuel Carizza (third right) looks to offload under pressure from Tavis Knoyle (right) and Toby Faletau (right)

He said: 'I definitely thought the
impact from the Argentina bench was better than ours. We went into the
game with certain personnel missing and it showed quite dramatically in
the last half hour.

'Both starting centres from the Grand
Slam were missing, we had our number six and number three missing and
it showed, and we have to get the other players up to pace as quickly as
possible.

'But it was obvious there is a
disparity at the moment between our first-choice XV and the players who
have got those positions now.'

Chip 'n' chase: Martin Landajo (left) kicks past Tavis Knoyle (right)

Harry Redknapp wants Blackburn job – EXCLUSIVE

Posted on October 25, 2012 by adminsports

EXCLUSIVE: Redknapp's Rovers return! Harry in shock bid for vacant Blackburn job

UPDATED:

08:43 GMT, 25 October 2012

Harry Redknapp has emerged as a shock contender to take over as Blackburn Rovers manager.

Sportsmail understands that the former Tottenham boss will throw his hat into the ring after he was persuaded to drop down into the Championship by Blackburn’s global advisor Shebby Singh.

Singh initially targeted young up-and-coming coaches who had played for Blackburn like Tim Sherwood and Billy McKinlay, but an outcry from supporters has convinced him to look at a more experienced option in Redknapp.

Rovers return: Harry Redknapp is ready to throw his hat in the ring for the vacant Blackburn job

The 65-year-old has been working in an advisory role at his old club Bournemouth since he left Spurs in June, but sources close to Redknapp have confirmed that he would be very interested in succeeding Steve Kean and has no qualms about moving to Lancashire from his home on the South Coast.

Preliminary discussions have already taken place with his representatives and he is expected to have a formal interview at Ewood Park before the weekend.

Singh said: 'We understand that many fans are feeling frustrated. But we said from the outset that we would not be rushed into an appointment, this is too big a decision for that.'

Former West Ham boss Redknapp would represent a major coup for Singh as he strives to appease those fans and restore the club to the glory days they enjoyed under Jack Walker’s ownership.

Back of the net: Grant Hanley scores against Sheffield Wednesday

Winning ways: Grant Hanley (celebrating, below) scored in Blackburn's 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday at Ewood Park on Wednesday night to put Rovers within five points of Championship leaders Leicester

Happy days: Grant Hanley celebrates his goal at Ewood Park

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway and Molde’s Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remain in contention, although former Bolton boss Owen Coyle is believed to have shown little interest when he was approached earlier this week.

Despite Singh’s change of direction, Chorley manager and former Blackburn midfielder Garry Flitcroft is also being considered.

Flitcroft was in the stands at Ewood to see caretaker boss Eric Black celebrate his first win in five games since Kean’s departure.

No go: Billy McKinlay

Contender: Tim Sherwood

Outcry: Blackburn fans were not in favour of initial targets in Billy McKInlay and Tim Sherwood (R)

Black had urged owners Venky’s to install the new man as soon as possible after overseeing a disappointing run of three draws and a defeat, but at least he had something to smile about as an early goal from Grant Hanley lifted Blackburn up six places to fifth.

The Scot is expected to stay in charge for Saturday's home game against Watford and hopes the win will calm his side’s nerves.

'My only target now is Watford,' said Black.

'We have to resolve this feeling of anxiety which invites pressure, but hopefully this will make a big difference.'

Meanwhile, Blackburn are close to signing Cameron Jerome on a short-term loan deal after the striker became surplus to requirements at Stoke

Same again: Blackburn caretaker manager Eric Black is expected to remain in charge for this weekend's match against Watford

Jamie Redknapp, Martin Keown analyse the Premier League season so far

Posted on October 9, 2012 by adminsports

We're turning into the Premier Liga! Keown and Redknapp analyse the season so far

UPDATED:

22:07 GMT, 8 October 2012

As the Premier League pauses for a second international break, Sportsmail columnists Jamie Redknapp and Martin Keown take a moment to catch their breath and assess the season so far.

One modern trend both have noticed is an influx of smaller, skilful players and a focus on passing that is taking the English game closer and closer to the style of the Spanish La Liga.

1 Which players have impressed you the most

Redknapp: So far we’ve seen small playmakers with a low centre of gravity excelling — Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and Santi Cazorla being the three who have impressed me most.

Cazorla is the one I would have no qualms about paying to watch every week. You couldn’t get the ball off him in a telephone box. He is good with both feet and is not afraid to hit a killer pass. A lot of players take time to settle in the Premier League but he has hit the ground running and will get even better with Jack Wilshere alongside him.

He's got the lot: Santi Cazorla is good with both feet and can hit a killer pass

Mousa Dembele has been a really good signing for Tottenham, too. Lots of clubs will be kicking themselves for missing out on him.

Keown: I agree with you on Cazorla and I’m also a big fan of Gareth Bale. He gets you out of your seat with his pace. It’s hard to believe he was a full back not so long ago.

Aleksandar Kolarov at Manchester City looks like a player who is stepping up, although you do lose something defensively with him in the side.

Marouane Fellaini is another who has moved up a level. Since Tim Cahill has left Everton, Fellaini is playing further up the field and it’s made him more effective. Keep an eye on Kevin Mirallas, too, because he could be David Moyes’ best signing yet.

He finds that hole in between the opposition’s defence and midfield and can pick a pass. I also want to mention Carl Jenkinson at Arsenal. Last season, he looked like he was apologising for being at the club but now he looks like he’s been there for ever.

2 Which team have surprised you with their start

Redknapp: Chelsea. Their excellent start is surprising considering the transition they are trying to make. I didn’t consider them title contenders at the start of the season but Roberto Di Matteo has them playing exciting, attractive football. I feel they are a still a striker short but if they sign Radamel Falcao from Atletico Madrid in January — he has an incredible 12 goals in seven matches so far this season — they could be genuine challengers.

Further down the table, but not by much, are West Brom, where Steve Clarke has done a brilliant job. They have a really powerful spine to their team with Ben Foster, Jonas Olsson, Youssouf Mulumbu and Shane Long.

Near the bottom, Liverpool are short up front. In the past they had a goalscorer in Rush, Owen, Fowler or Torres, but they don’t now. Luis Suarez isn’t a born finisher but I’d still expect them to finish in the top six. If that is below Everton or not, I don’t know, as they have been very impressive.

Creative: Hazard has made 211 passes in the final third, second only to Cazorla

Keown: It’s like Freshers’ Week at QPR with so many new faces. Mark Hughes has so many players at his disposal that he’s struggling to work out his strongest XI. He’s got some real quality in the squad — I like the look of Esteban Granero in particular — but they need to get the balance right. If they do, they should finish mid-table.

West Ham have surprised me too but for opposite reasons. I was concerned they would struggle in pre-season because of a lack of new faces but they have found a way to pick up points, even with the injury to Andy Carroll. They have done really well.

3 What new trends have we seen

Redknapp: As well as the midfield maestros, our game is becoming more like Spanish football because of flying full backs. Barcelona have Dani Alves and Jordi Alba and there are equivalents in the Premier League — just think of Kyle Walker, Ashley Cole, Leighton Baines and others. It is exciting to watch, but it means teams have to play a defensive midfielder so that the centre backs aren’t left too exposed.

A few years ago a centre back pairing such as Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister would have had Gary Neville and Denis Irwin handcuffed to them, being defenders. Now the centre halves are being pulled into areas they don’t want to be, covering for the full backs.

Flying full-back: Everton defender Leighton Baines (left) has impressed

Keown: We read so much about the virtues of passing the ball these days but there has been an emergence of players carrying the ball long distances to either score themselves or provide for others.

Yaya Toure, Gareth Bale, Abou Diaby and Aaron Lennon are just a few of those who are doing it, surging through the midfield. It gets you out of your seat and shows that even in these days of football being all about a team passing game, there is room for these high-speed ball carriers.

Jamie has a point about the full backs too. Arsenal had it for a while with Lauren and Ashley Cole and now more and more managers are willing to let their full backs get forward and be the extra player. Full backs used to just be strong and effective but now they’re smaller, like roadrunners.

4 If you could play for one team in this league based on what you have seen this season, who would it be and why

Redknapp: I think it would be Manchester City. Imagine playing in that midfield alongside Yaya Toure and David Silva with Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez ahead of you. It would be fun. Let’s not lose sight though of how important it is that the Premier League has teams who play more direct football too. We need that clash of styles because it throws up great matches.

Keown: I’d like to play under David Moyes. I admire his loyalty to the club, his players want to play for him and he has good professionals there like Phil Neville. Each player at Everton seems to improve each year — think of Fellaini, Phil Jagielka, Tim Howard and Leighton Baines in particular. That is down to the manager.

Eye for goal: Marouane Fellaini is taking three shots per game for Everton

5 It’s early but who do you think will be champions

Redknapp: I’m sticking with my pre-season prediction of Manchester United. They only lost out on goal difference last season and have added Robin van Persie. They do need continuity in goal though. Think of all title-winning teams and there is always a stable No 1.

Keown: Chelsea. They were in a similar position this time last year — they have just three points more this season. This term, their players are better equipped with this new style of football and they still have the winning mentality of Frank Lampard and John Terry in the squad. Their next two games are against Spurs and Manchester United and that will tell us a lot about how serious their title bid is.

6 And who struggles

Redknapp: Norwich seem to be struggling from second-season syndrome and they need Grant Holt to start scoring more. I’m a big fan of Brian McDermott at Reading but they look a little bit scared at times. They need to show no fear because it is an unforgiving league. They might need to be a bit more bold, like Southampton. Life could be hard for Swansea too after losing Gylfi Sigurdsson and Joe Allen.

Flapping Canaries: Norwich have the worst goal difference (-12) in the league

Keown: Like Jamie, I think Norwich. They are letting in goals at an alarming rate and that is terrible for your confidence. When results are so much worse than last season, it won’t be easy for Chris Hughton to command respect. They aren’t alone in their slow start. Six teams — Sunderland, Stoke, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Wigan and Southampton — have only one win so far. Scrapping for draws will be as important as ever.

7 What’s bugging you

Redknapp: I would love to see retrospective bans for diving but I can’t see it working. It’s an embarrassing problem for the game at the moment and it’s not just a problem with foreign players. The Gareth Bale effort was as bad as Luis Suarez’s on Sunday. It’s so tough for the referees and maybe retrospective punishment could be effective in the long term. But in the short term, there would be chaos with lots of bans and confusion over what constitutes a dive.

Taking a tumble: Spurs winger Gareth Bale (left) dived against Aston Villa

Also, we have to go back to the proper rule for deliberate handball. There are too many penalties given when a ball is smacked at a hand just a couple of yards away. It’s ridiculous.

Keown: Managers trying to get opponents’ players in trouble with the FA. After every game, bosses are asking the powers that be to look into something and to charge players.

But it is hypocritical because their players are usually guilty of another offence. Tony Pulis was moaning about Suarez’s dive but his side were being heavy-handed with the Uruguayan for the whole of the game. Managers should leave it and get on with their jobs.

Sergio Aguero would have picked Real Madrid over Manchester City

Posted on September 19, 2012 by adminsports

I would have picked Real over City had they bid for me, reveals Aguero

UPDATED:

08:00 GMT, 19 September 2012

Sergio Aguero has admitted that he would have chosen a move to Real Madrid in 2011 had the Spanish giants opted to rival Manchester City's bid for his services.

Aguero – an unused substitute as City lost 3-2 to Real in the Champions League on Tuesday night – was signed from Atletico Madrid for 38million last summer and scored the goal that clinched the Premier League title for Roberto Mancini's men.

But the Argentinian has told ESPN that, contrary to reports, he would have had no problems leaving Atletico for their arch rivals had Real manager Jose Mourinho made an offer for him.

No qualms: Aguero (right) says he would have been happy to leave Atletico Madrid for Real Madrid

'If Real Madrid had been interested in me, then I would be here,' said the 24-year-old. 'I had no option but to join City.

'I want to take this opportunity to refute the information where I supposedly said that I would never play for Real Madrid because I played at Atletico. It was published in an English newspaper.'

Aguero later took to Twitter to put on record his happiness at being in Manchester, and stated his aim to win for trophies with City.

He tweeted: 'I feel comfortable and appreciated in @MCFC – it's a project I feel involved in. We want more titles and we'll get them!'

Project: Aguero is looking to win more trophies at Man City

'Just to make it clear – I'm very happy to be in @MCFC. It's the best decision I could have taken.'

Aguero is yet to make an impression this season having suffered a knee injury in the opening Premier League fixture against Southampton last month.

He had hoped to make his return in the Spanish capital but events prevented manager Roberto Mancini bringing him on.

Mancini said: 'I had two players injured, (Samir) Nasri and Maicon. I wanted to play Aguero in the last 20 minutes.'

Southampton"s Premier League seasons starts now after Arsenal thrashing

Posted on September 17, 2012 by adminsports

Pointless Southampton's season starts now after tough beginning to Premier League life

UPDATED:

21:30 GMT, 16 September 2012

Pointless in the Premier League. That's the working title Southampton are playing to at the moment.

Of course, facing Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal in three of their opening four games has not helped matters. Nor has a home defeat against Wigan squeezed in between that deadly trio of fixtures.

So, in essence, the Saints' season starts now. Nigel Adkins' side face Fulham, West Ham, West Bromwich, Swansea and QPR in five of their next six league games.

Tough day at the office: Southampton were taught a harsh lesson

Bad day at the office: Southampton were taught a harsh lesson

Should the Saints remain without a point after that sequence then Adkins will be looking nervously over his shoulder, given chairman Nicola Cortese has never shown any qualms about sacking managers.

For the time being, the Liverpudlian is focused on finally getting his side's season up and running.

Tough start: Adkins has had three hard fixtures

Speaking after the Saints' 6-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium, Adkins said: 'The reality of it all has been highlighted. All the media have written about the fixture list.

'It was a tough start and it has proven to be that way but it has given us that belief we are doing the right thing.

'And we have learned a lot about people's characters. It is about keeping going.'

Uruguay striker Gaston Ramirez made his debut against the Gunners.

'We trained with Gaston for the first time on Friday night and you could see the eyes of all the lads lighting up at the ability he has got,' added Adkins.

'He has already got a few shots in and he can pick a pass. I am sure he is going to bring a new dimension to our team.'

Chelsea pursuit of Victor Moses shows rules need changing, say Wigan

Posted on August 17, 2012 by adminsports

Change the rules! Martinez blasts transfer window chaos after Chelsea's pursuit of Moses

UPDATED:

11:17 GMT, 17 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

The Victor Moses transfer saga has led Wigan manager Roberto Martinez to call for the transfer window to only be open during the off-season.

Lactics chairman Dave Whelan voiced his displeasure at Chelsea's interest in his 21-year-old forward, accusing the Champions League winners of 'messing about' in their pursuit of him by failing to meet his asking price of 10million.

Until such a valuation is met, Whelan will not entertain allowing Moses to leave the DW Stadium, leaving Martinez with a delicate matter on his hands.

Impasse: Victor Moses has been chased by Chelsea throughout the summer

With over two weeks to go until the transfer window closes, he knows it could only take one phone call to prise one of his key assets away from him and, as a result, he would like to see all business wrapped up before the season begins.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's campaign opener which – by a twist of fate – is against Chelsea, he said: 'I don't like it, I have expressed many times that I don't agree with the transfer window going on while there are official games.

'I have always said that. I do feel there is a need for a transfer window, it is beneficial, but I don't think it helps when it is open when you are playing official games.

'It happens everywhere, it gives you
uncertainty and I don't think that helps the game. The players are
footballers but they are human beings.'

Fury: Roberto Martinez wants the transfer window to be changed

Moses is in Martinez's squad for the Chelsea game, despite the Spaniard knowing a performance akin to the ones he produced in the second half of last season could be the arm-twister the London club need to meet Whelan's demands.

He has no qualms with picking the player, though, having told him to be proud of Chelsea's interest.

'For Victor it's been an exciting summer,' he said. 'I spoke with him and told him he should be very proud, as a footballer at 21, to get the interest he has had. It's something to be happy and extremely proud about and is a football compliment.

'But, if you don't meet a valuation, it becomes paper talk and speculation. He is a young man and he knows what he did from December to the end of the season was a great level of performance.

'He can take it on to the next level and I am very excited to have Victor at Wigan, and I hope we can keep him for many years to come. Victor is fit and available for the squad and that's what matters.'

Dean Shiels signs four-year Rangers deal

Posted on July 31, 2012 by adminsports

Shiels checks in at Rangers as Northern Irishman signs four-year deal

UPDATED:

14:48 GMT, 31 July 2012

Rangers have completed the signing of Dean Shiels.

The former Kilmarnock attacking midfielder, who was a free agent, has signed a four-year deal.

Shiels is the second new recruit since Rangers were consigned to liquidation in June, following the capture of Ian Black at the weekend.

Over the moon: Dean Shiels is delighted to have signed for Rangers

Boss Ally McCoist faces a race against time to assemble a squad before a 12-month transfer embargo comes into effect on September 1.

Top-flight clubs voted against allowing Rangers entry into the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and they will play in the Irn-Bru Third Division this season.

But, despite Rangers dropping down the divisions, Shiels says he has signed for what he still regards as a massive club.

He said: 'I'm over the moon to be here. First and foremost, I wanted to sign for Rangers. No matter what league they are in, it's a massive club.

'I can't wait to get started. I'm delighted to be here, it's one of the biggest clubs in the world.'

The Northern Ireland international has no qualms about playing in the Scottish Football League's bottom division.

He added: 'It doesn't concern me, no. I see it as a challenge, as a personal challenge, to try to do my bit to get this club back to where it belongs, back to top-flight football.'

Sports Bound Guide

Sports Bound Guide. Fresh Sports News

Tag Archives: qualms

Steven Gerrard put in a masterful performance against Fulham

Rafael Benitez: Chelsea faults obvious already (so we"ll expect win over Manchester City then, Rafa!)

James Anderson: India open with spin and we could do the same with Graeme Swann

Rob Howley "disappointed" after Wales defeat to Argentina

Harry Redknapp wants Blackburn job – EXCLUSIVE

Jamie Redknapp, Martin Keown analyse the Premier League season so far

Sergio Aguero would have picked Real Madrid over Manchester City

Southampton"s Premier League seasons starts now after Arsenal thrashing

Chelsea pursuit of Victor Moses shows rules need changing, say Wigan

Dean Shiels signs four-year Rangers deal